Alabama Home Conceals New Construction with Vintage Charm

Birmingham, Alabama – A newly constructed English-inspired home outside Birmingham is cleverly designed to appear decades older, utilizing a masterful blend of antique furnishings and aged detailing to create a sense of history and character.

Architect Conceals Modernity with ‘Patina’ Effect

Interior designer Fran Keenan and architect Brian Barrett collaborated to achieve this effect, incorporating features like a hidden refrigerator disguised as a hutch, bookshelves that conceal doors, and a full wall of windows framed by aged wooden trim. The 6,800-square-foot property boasts a taupe and green color palette, inspired by an antique rug purchased by the homeowners.

Interior Design Focuses on Layered Details

The kitchen and breakfast room are designed to maximize natural light and feature a “peppy” green painted wooden trim. The open-plan living space incorporates archways, aged wood beams, and tongue-and-groove paneling in a serene putty green. Floors are crafted from reclaimed white oak or natural stone, and custom cabinetry is covered in aged hues mirroring the owner’s needlepoint pillows and textiles.

Emphasis on Antique Collection

Keenan emphasizes that the home’s success lies in seamlessly integrating the clients’ extensive collection of French and English antiques. “It was really just a matter of incorporating all their treasured things,” Keenan explains. The overall aesthetic prioritizes relaxation and a welcoming atmosphere, despite the abundance of beautiful antiques and prints.